The leaders of today — and tomorrow — don’t have the luxury of clear answers. But that can’t stop them from moving forward.
In the latest episode of the Mistakes over Failure podcast, Christine Crawford and YPO Global Chairman Debby Carreau speak with YPO member Dr. Elikem Tamaklo, Chairman of the Board at Nyaho Healthcare Limited, on how leaders can better navigate multiple truths.
Successful leaders must:
Move fast AND think long term.
Speed matters, but so does perspective. “The leader of the future has to understand that they’re not just making decisions that impact them for now,” says Tamaklo. “They’re also impacting decisions for the future.” And not just for them, but their employees, communities, and businesses.
Seek out valuable data AND trust your gut.
Data, advisers and frameworks all matter. But leadership can’t be outsourced. At some point, says Tamaklo, the person in charge must make the call. And when that time comes you need to understand when insight is helpful and when your instincts are stronger.
Build systems AND protect your people.
As organizations grow, systems become essential for scale. As a leader, it’s your job to ensure these systems enhance your company culture, rather than override it. Tamalko sees this as the biggest challenge for growing companies launched by infectious, passionate founders: You can’t become less human-centered as you grow.
Listen to other perspectives AND own the final decision.
Listening well is not the same as handing over responsibility, Tamalko stresses. Leadership means honoring others’ wisdom while still owning the outcome.
Accept uncertainty AND act anyway.
Every action or moment of inaction equals growth for leaders. Tamaklo says some of his biggest lessons came from the moments when he hesitated. “The only way to learn whether you are on the right track and how you change is through experience,” he says. The goal isn’t perfect foresight; it’s the courage to move, learn and adjust.
Leadership may require making the final call alone, but growth rarely happens alone. YPO gives leaders a place to challenge each other’s thinking, share lessons from experience and help one another navigate the difficult decisions that define leadership. Learn more about YPO membership >>>
About the Mistakes Over Failure Podcast
In Mistakes over Failure, Dr. Christine Crawford and Debby Carreau – joined by fellow YPO members as guests – highlight the missteps, breakthroughs and deep commitment to learning that CEOs experience while building and leading their businesses.
Discover who is shaping today’s business landscape, the lessons they’ve learned and shared along the way, and how they are creating lasting impact as leaders.
Explore more episodes of Mistakes Over Failure.
